ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
National Level Water Quiz competition for school children
Central Water Commission, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation will be organizing a National Level Water Quiz competition for school children in January next year at New Delhi. Contest is restricted to teams consisting of two students studying in class VI, VII or VIII in any regular school of any recognized Board in India.
There is no participation fee. The preliminarily rounds of the quiz competition  will be held at the 14 Regional centers of the Central Water Commission namely at Delhi, Bhopal, Lucknow, Patna, Bhubaneshwar, Shillong, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, Bangalore, Siliguri and Chandigarh and also at NWA, Pune. For the preliminary round, the participants have to make their own travel/ boarding/ lodging arrangements.
Winner and runner-up teams  will qualify to participate in Final round to be held in New Delhi. The cost of travel/ boarding/ lodging, including that for one adult per team, shall be borne by the organisers. The winners shall be given attractive cash prizes. Interested schools can apply in the prescribed form online  or through hard copy by mail to the organiser by December 04, 2017.
The applying schools can choose any of the 14 centres, as per their convenience, while the final round with two teams each from each region and NWA, Pune would be held at Delhi. Only one team per School comprising of two individual students can take part. In case more than one entry is made by one school, then its first entry  shall only be accepted. In case the registrations per regional centre is more than the acceptable limits, then the organisers reserve the right to scrutinize the entries based on the academic performance of the proposed teams during last three years.
On-line Registration forms are available at Central Water Commission website, i.e., www.cwc.gov.in. at the following URL :
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLgHYdpow8P_2huI5REWHGM1QH0WKt_zR4Onm3yKbTfgYV_A/viewform
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Ministry of Minority Affairs
Pre Matric and Post Matric Scholarship for Minority Communities
The Ministry of Minority Affairs implements Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes for the educational empowerment of students belonging to economically weaker section of the six notified minority communities i.e. Buddhist, Christian, Jain, Muslim, Parsi and Sikh in all States/UTs across the country. Since 2014-15, more than 5.1 crorescholarships have been provided through National Scholarship Portal  and Direct Benefit Transfer  out of which more than 52% beneficiaries are female.
The details of budget allocated and released for the last 3 years under the above mentioned schemes are as under:-
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Year
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Budget Allocated 
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Amount Released

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2018-19
to 2020-21
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5253.31
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5123.04
The details of number of verified applications received from States/UTs and sanctioned by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under the above mentioned schemes are as under:-
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Year
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Number of verified applications
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Number of Applications Sanctioned
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2018-19
to 2020-21|
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2,53,77,535
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1,85,79,345Disbursement of Scholarships for 2020-21 continues in 2021-22.The figure also includes the beneficiaries who would avail the scholarship for the year 2021-22 for which the budget has been allocated.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Polio National Immunisation Day rescheduled to 31st January 2021
President of India to launch NID on 30th January 2021
The massive countrywide COVID-19 vaccination drive will be rolled out by Hon’ble Prime Minister from 16th January, 2021. This would be world’s largest immunisation exercise. Therefore, it has been decided by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare  in consultation with the office of the Hon’ble President of India to reschedule the Polio vaccination day, also known as the National Immunisation Day  or “Polio Ravivar” to 31th January 2021 .
The Hon’ble President will launch the Polio National Immunisation Day on 30th January 2021  by administering Polio drops to some children at the Rashtrapati Bhawan at 11.45 am.
The decision is in keeping with the stated policy of the Health Ministry to ensure that COVID management and vaccination services as well as non-COVID essential health services proceed in tandem without adversely impacting each other.
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism has introduced the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator  and Incredible India Tourist Guide  Certification Programme to traintourist facilitators andguides across the country: Shri Prahlad Singh Patel
The Government of India, Ministry of Tourism has introduced the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator  and Incredible India Tourist Guide  Certification Programme, which is a digital initiative that aims at creating an online learning platform with the objective of creating a pool of well trained and professional Tourist Facilitators and Tourist Guides across the country, including in remote areas with tourism potential. The candidates can pursue these online courses from anywhere and at any time and at their own pace. The tourist facilitators and Guides are essentially interpreters of a place/event/experience tasked with making tourist spots appealing, explaining the history, myths, legends and culture associated with the destinations. The Programme has been made available online w.e.f. 01.01.2020
This information was given by Minister of State for Tourism & Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
First ever online selection of Airmen by the IAF
In yet another first, the IAF successfully conducted its first online selection test for airmen from 03 to 06 May 18. Taking forward the Digital India Initiative of the Government of India, the first ever Scheduled Test for Airmen Recruitment  was conducted successfully through computer based online tests in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing  Pune, a Government of India organisation functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This is the first instance of any of the three services undertaking selection tests online. This makes it easier for candidates across the country to appear for selection accommodating a wider choice of candidates, without having to apply an early filtration necessary in the earlier selection process.
A total of 409169 candidates had registered for the online STAR examination for Airmen. The online examination was successfully conducted at 439 centres spread over 102 cities across the country. This included over 100 centres in the North Eastern states, J&K and states which have limited representation in the IAF. Over 80% of the candidates were allotted centres of their first choice. 320678 candidates  out of those who had registered appeared for the online test.
In the earlier manual pattern of tests, despite the IAF receiving over 4 lakh applications, owing to the limitations of testing capacity at the Airmen Selection Centres, only 80000 to 1 lakh candidates could be called to undergo the written test. Candidates were therefore screened out based on their Class 12 marks, thus denying opportunity to otherwise eligible candidates. In the online test format, all eligible candidates applying for STAR would be tested at examination centres closest to their place of residence. This would imply a near eight fold increase in the number of candidates who would be tested annually. The IAF stands to gain from the larger pool of candidates to choose from, while offering a level playing field to all eligible candidates.
The initiative is part of the Air Headquarters policy to reach out to the best talent to man and service the technology intensive platforms that equip the IAF. Apart from increased transparency and cost reduction, the initiative will help the IAF reach out to the youth in remote corners of the country and help them participate in the selection. Being the first of its kind initiative, the conduct of the examination was closely monitored by the highest echelons of Air Headquarters and Command Headquarters. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri and Chief of the Air Staff complimented the team involved in planning and executing the online tests in collaboration with CDAC, in ensuring that the entire process was executed without any glitch. It is a major milestone that would set a new benchmark for providing a fair opportunity to deserving youth from the remote corners of the country to join the IAF.
Ministry of Science & Technology
CSIR-CFTRI to provide testing equipment for COVID-19 detection
The number of positive cases in Mysuru has touched 28 and seven cases have been reported within a span of 24 hours. This is as per the latest media bulletin released by the Karnataka Health Department. Mysuru-based CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute  has joined hands with the district administration by making available equipment needed for testing of samples.
COVID-19 infection is at present detected by a very sophisticated and precise technique called Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction  method. This PCR method involves extraction of the RNA of the virus from samples and amplification of the same using a PCR machine. A clear advantage of the PCR test is that it can detect the virus in a person at a very early stage, that is, even symptoms emerge.
Mysore district has been identified as one of the four hot spot districts with a large number of suspect infections. The suspected persons quarantined need to be tested before and after the quarantine period for the presence of virus in their bodies, irrespective of they show the disease symptoms or not.
CSIR-CFTRI is providing two PCR machines and one RNA extraction unit along with necessary chemicals to the district administration for coping with the large number of samples to be tested in the district.
“Precise and accurate testing is the need of the hour. Since the test is very sophisticated and is being done in select centres approved for testing by the Indian Council of Medical Research , we are supporting by way of adding to the capacity,” says Dr. KSMS Raghavarao, Director, CSIR-CFTRI. Along with the equipment, two skilled technicians will also be provided for the period required by the District Administration, he said.
The PCR machines were handed over on 5th April 2020. Dr. Amrutha Kumari, Nodal Officer, Virus Research and Diagnostics Laboratory  and In-Charge COVID Test Laboratory, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru received the equipment. This would help the centre to triple the number of tests done per day, she said. The RNA extraction unit will reach in a week’s time.
Ministry of Defence
Incident at Sea
In an unfortunate incident, Mohan Raj, Seaman First Class, of the Indian Navy serving onboard INS Gomati suffered grave injury whilst carrying out combat weapon firing drills at sea. The sailor was airlifted from the ship to the nearest naval hospital INHS Asvini, Mumbai by a Seaking helicopter, however, he succumbed to his injuries. A Board of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the incident.
Mohan Raj aged 21 years, hailed from Katpudi, Tamil Nadu and is survived by his parents and two siblings..
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DKS/AC 29/19
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Shri Radha Mohan Singh Launches the Rapid Detection Kits for Adulterants in Fresh Fish
Rapid Detection Kits for Adulterants in Fresh Fish developed by Central Institute of Fisheries Technology , Kochi
Rapid Detection Kits to help in protecting the Consumers’ health from the chemical used for fish
Preservation: Shri Singh
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh today launched the Rapid Detection Kits for Adulterants in Fresh Fish, developed by Central Institute of Fisheries Technology , Kochi. Ammonia helps in preventing ice from melting and use of formaldehyde increases the shelf life of fish therefore many people in the fisheries sector are using these chemicals. The kit helps in detecting both the chemicals in the fish. Shri Singh informed that continuous ingestion of ammonia and formaldehyde can lead to many health issues including abdominal pain, vomiting, unconsciousness, and sometimes even cause death. Union Agriculture Minister said it today at the launch of kit in New Delhi.
Shri Singh said that fish consumption is beneficial for health. Since fresh fish is highly perishable in nature, so fish don’t have a long shelf life. India’s domestic fish market is reported to be selling formaldehyde-adulterated fish, especially in markets located far away from landing centres or production sites. According to Indian and International regulations, the fresh fish and shellfish should be preserved only by means of ice and use of substances other than ice to maintain quality is a fraudulent practice
Union Agriculture Minister said that continuous monitoring of these contaminants in a laboratory is time-consuming and requires expertise but some people use toxic chemicals in the form of contaminated substances. Today's consumer is conscious about the food quality and safety issues and they need rapid, sensitive, and portable screening methods. Taking these aspects into consideration, ICAR-CIFT has developed two rapid detection kits for checking adulteration of fresh fish with formaldehyde and ammonia. The kits are handy and consist of simple paper strips, reagent solution, and standard chart for comparing results. Formaldehyde is potential cancer-inducing chemical, which is a major health concern, therefore, its use needs to be curbed. For handling, processing, storage, transportation, and display for sale of fish and fish products only cold chain should be used.
SS
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President Greets People on the eve of Janmashtami
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. In a message, he said that the eternal message bestowed by Lord Krishna in the Bhagwad Geeta to perform our duties with sincerity without attachment to results has been a source of inspiration for entire humanity. May this festival bring peace, amity, harmony and prosperity in our country, he added.
Following is the text of Vice President’s message:
“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna has a special religious importance in our country.
Celebrated with traditional fervour and enthusiasm, Janmashtami festival reminds us of the divine life of Lord Krishna and signifies the victory of good over evil. The eternal message bestowed by Lord Krishna in the Bhagwad Geeta to perform our duties with sincerity without attachment to results has been a source of inspiration for entire humanity.
May this festival bring peace, amity, harmony and prosperity in our country.”
Ministry of Finance
Direct tax collection doubled for first quarter of current fiscal
Direct tax collection for the first quarter of the current fiscal has doubled. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
The Minister stated that the net direct tax collection in the 1st quarter of FY 2021-2022 is Rs. 2,46,519.82 crore as against Rs. 1,17,783.87 crore during the same period of previous FY 2020-21.
Giving reasons for increase in the tax collections, the Minister stated that it includes revival of economic activities and positive sentiments among taxpayers during this current financial year leading to increased income estimates and higher advance tax payments in the first quarter of the FY 2021-22 as compared to the corresponding period of FY 2020-21.
To the question of direct tax collections in the second quarter of the current fiscal, the Minister stated that the collection of taxes during second quarter cannot be ascertained for the present as the second quarter has just started
On details of indirect tax collections of the first two quarters of the current fiscal, the Minister stated that the second quarter of the current fiscal has just started, however the details of Net Indirect Tax  revenue collection in the 1st quarter of FY 2021- 2022 is Rs. 3,11,398 crore.
Stating about Vivad-se-Vishwas Scheme, the Minister said the Government has resolved significant number of pending direct tax disputes amicably with the taxpayers under Vivad-se-Vishwas Scheme, 2020. This was the primary objective of the Scheme as provided in the short title therein ‘An Act to provide for resolution of tax and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto’. The declarations received under the Scheme cover around 28.73% of pending tax disputes. Additional tax revenue received is an additional positive outcome.
On the recovery of economy, the Minister stated that the increased tax collection  as reported in the first quarter of the current financial year as compared to the same period previous financial year shows that the economy is on the recovery path. Higher tax collection would enable Government in increasing public expenditure which would have a positive impact on GDP, the Minister stated.
Special Service and Features
CHENNAI PORT CREATES ALL TIME RECORD IN CARGO HANDLING & CONTAINERS
Chennai Port has surpassed all its earlier records in Cargo Handling by handling 44,65,459 Tonnes in October 2021 over and above the cargo tonnage of 39,43,100 Tonnes handled in June 2021.
Chennai Port has recorded landmark performance of Handling of Containers of 1,53,948 TEUs during the month of October 2021 surpassing the previous record of 1,51,754 TEUs during the month of December 2020.
M/s. Chennai International Terminal Pvt. Ltd., has achieved its highest throughput for the month by handling 94,330 TEUs in October 2021 surpassing 93,484 TEUs handled during the month of December 2020.
Shri.Sunil Paliwal,I.A.S., Chairman, Chennai Port Trust, appreciated the efforts taken by the Terminal Operators M/s Chennai Container Terminal Pvt.Ltd and M/s Chennai International Terminal Pvt. Ltd., the Stakeholders and Port Officials for the above achievement. according to a press release issued by the Secretary.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
KVIC’s Big Thrust to Wood Craft & Agarbatti Industry in Assam & Arunachal Pradesh to Boost Local Employment
As many as 150 trained Khadi artisans including 100 women artisans in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are associated with various self-employment activities of Khadi and Village Industries Commission .
KVIC Chairman Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena distributed turn wood craft machines to 50 artisans in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and 50 agarbatti making machines and 50 pickle making machines to the artisans at Guwahati in Assam.
This is for the first time that KVIC has begun the turn wood training program for local youths in Arunachal Pradesh which aims at creating sustainable employment for local tribal youths in Tawang and reviving the traditional wood craft in the state. These wood craft artisans, all belonging to BPL families, were provided a comprehensive 20-days training by KVIC and upon completion of their training, the machinery was provided to these artisans.
On Saturday, Shri Saxena also distributed 50 agarbatti making machines to 50 women artisans under the flagship Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program  to set up their own Agarbatti manufacturing units. This also aims at strengthening the local Agarbatti industry, which is a major employment creator in Assam. KVIC has also roped in a business partner, which is a successful local Agarbatti manufacturer of Assam that will provide raw material and take back all the Agarbatti produced by these 50 women entrepreneurs by paying labor charges.
KVIC Chairman Shri Saxena said the Khadi activities in North East are aligned with Prime Minister’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” by making youths self-reliant. “KVIC has laid great emphasis on creating sustainable employment and strengthening traditional crafts in the North East. KVIC’s support to turn wood craft, Agarbatti making and agro and food-based industries like pickle making will empower the local youths and women and create employment at their doorsteps,” he said.
Notably, in recent times, KVIC has opened two Eri Silk Training and Production Centres in Arunachal Pradesh and revived the Monpa Handmade paper industry in Tawang. Also, more than 430 units of bamboo products including Agabatti and round bamboo stick manufacturing have been set up in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh by KVIC in the last couple of years.
MJPS
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Ministry of Education
HRD Minister, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ reviews new initiatives by HRD Ministry in designing vocational courses for generating employment
The Minister of Human Resource Development, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ held another review meeting of the schemes and programmes of HRD Ministry in New Delhi today. Secretary, Higher Education Shri R. Subrahmanyam and the senior officers of the Ministry gave presentation on  Generation of skills and employment through vocational education,  working of IIMs and setting up of new IIMs  Study in India programme and international cooperation in the field of education  Review of working of language councils.
During the review meeting, Dr. Pokhriyal highlighted the importance of quality education and the need to create as many vocational courses as possible in order to push the youth into the employment stream without delay. The Minister advised the officers to set up a definite target of employment generation through these courses and also to customize these courses region-wise by providing proper linkages with industry and trade plus other employment opportunities available in that particular region. The skill and education should be given as per the aptitude which should be identified at an early stage, the Minister added. The Minister was briefed about the new vocational courses designed by the Ministry to cater the requirements of industry.
The HRD Minister asked the officers to prepare an action plan on how the various Indian languages across the country can be developed in an integrated manner. We should also try to do further research in the wealth of knowledge hidden in our ancient texts and integrate them with modern day science, the Minister opined. He directed that the foundation stone of the six IIMs, which are in pipeline, should be laid at the earliest.
Commenting on Study in India programme, the HRD Minister said that India-centric courses should be started to attract foreign students. Branding of these courses should be undertaken, for example in the field of yoga, spirituality, ayurveda among others since these are specific to India and have a great potential.
Earlier yesterday, the HRD Minister at an eight hour long meeting, reviewed the working of School Education, Higher Education and plan for filling up of vacancies, quality initiatives of UGC and quality initiatives of AICTE. The Minister also reviewed the working of IITs, IIITs, IIMs and CBSE.